FHL Hog Hunting Clinic last Saturday

[Spot_n_Stalk]

Last Saturday I spent the day at the Recreation Center on Fort Hunter Liggett at a Hog Hunting Clinic put on by DFG and the Pacific Coast Hunter Education Association. I found out about it in DFG's magazine "Tracks." I sent in a check for $40 about a month ago and they sent me directions and a list of things to bring.

It was a blast.

When I got there I got a name tag and a T-shirt and then they sold me some raffle tickets.

A Game warden with 20 years experience working from Monterey to San Luis Obispo spoke for over an hour and answered everyone's questions. He even gave me some insight on my favorite public land and what NOT to do. Then they raffled off some prizes.

We then heard from a Senior Wildlife Biologist with DFG. he's in charge of tracking pig, bear, and cats. This guy is a real advocate for the hunter. He trys to work with land owners to let people take care of their pig problems. He also understood and explained about pig tags and how and why we got to where we are with them. Then, after another raffle, we enjoyed a BBQ ($5) that was a great spread. They had a 90-100lb domestic pig in a cage that we all checked out. He was doomed...

After lunch we went back to the rec center for a talk on hog diseases. Nothing much to worry about. They don't want them trapped and transported. The incidence of whatever they carry was extremely low.

Then there was a raffle, with different tickets than the previous, for those who wanted to take home the pig. They drew two winners. While this was going on they transported the pig to the game shack and shot it. We all went down there and got a first hand demonstration on how to gut and skin a pig. The guy stopped and answered questions and invited everyone to move around and get a good view. He did it with two cheap but well sharpened knives. When they had haved it they gave each half to the 2 raffle winners and everyone went on there way.

I'd highly recommend this clinic to anyone wanting to kill a day and maybe learn something. I met a lot of really first class people and learned plenty from them too. They are going to have one of these at the Tejon Ranch and somewhere in Sonoma I believe. Don't miss it!

 

[ksberry209]

Glad to hear it was productive. I wanted to go but some one told me they are sort of a waste of time. I guess I will sign up for the next one in Sanoma (June 2nd). Should be good for a guy like me.

 

[Speckmisser]

KS.. don't get me wrong, but I'm seeing a trend here.

Somebody keeps telling you that "X" is a waste of time. Stop listening to them.

Getting out into the field is NEVER a waste of time. Even in the dead of summer, on a full moon, or in a place with very limited hog activity...

A little extra familiarity with the terrain is always a plus. The possibility of a stray hog (deer, bear, etc.) is a bonus. And just getting the hell out of the house...that's worth the price of admission right there!

Likewise, going to a seminar to learn a little something about hunting your chosen quarry is NEVER a waste of time. Even the most jaded, long-time, "expert" among us stands to learn a little something if he isn't careful.

The DFG folks DO know a little about what they're on about, and getting some insight into the world from their perspective can open a whole new point of view... not to mention opening new opportunities.

Anyway...just picking on you a bit, but with a serious point. Don't let someone else tell you what you will experience...experience it for yourself.

 

[ksberry209]

I completely agree but these days my time is limited. I have gone to a few seminars in the past and it seemed that it was mostly a place to get together and drink beer. Dont get me wrong I love beer but right now I need to find the best use of my time. Heck I am going out this weekend by myself and will be attending the Sanoma clinic by myself (just sent my registration). I just like getting outside and soon it will be time to break out the fly rod and chase the fish. At $3+ a gallon to boot I cant afford driving all over CA either.

Most of my buddies are starting families and the wives wont let them run away for the weekend (soon mine wont either) so I need to get out and play now. Thats why I am trying not to "waste" my time. Waste is a strong word I know but it gets fustrating spending countless hours and days with nothing to show but I know one of these days I will fill the freezer. I just need to put in time and a little...A LOT of effort. I would rather be outside than sitting on the couch!

Words to live by "You are not going to catch anything without your line in the water" same is true for hunting I know.